Nine Points to Ponder When Writing Short Stories
Whenever I begin a short story, I remind myself of two things: to try to get in touch with readers' senses as much as possible by writing something to see, hear, touch, smell, taste, and feel (emotionally), and to try to keep nine points, specifically, in mind when writing my story in hopes of composing a tightly-written story that sticks in readers' minds. Those nine points are as followed:
Focus - Some of the most successful short stories I've read are the stories that stuck to their themes and storylines. They pulled me and kept me reading by maintaining a strong focus. It seems the more tightly drawn a short story is, the better.
Theme - While every story I write won't have some sort of deep, underlying message to it, I still like asking myself what exactly will my story be about. I try to answer the question in one or two sentences whenever possible, and notice that when I do, I usually spend less time smoothing out a story, trying to make it "say" what I want it to say. If you're aiming for a clear message, then try asking yourself just what is that underlying message or statement you're trying to convey to readers? Knowing what you want to say might lead you to tighten your writing, and maybe end up with a story that'll linger in readers' minds.
Time Span - Short stories usually cover a short time period. I try to remember to keep my short stories narrowed down by staying focused on the story's theme, and working to paint a picture explaining the main event for readers. In creating three-dimensional characters, I work to keep all of the characters' emotions, thoughts, and actions relevant to the story.
Hook - "Begin your story with a bang." We've all heard that one, haven't we? However, with short stories, I've noticed that it's more often sage advice than not. Beginning your short story with conflict, whether you choose to do it through action, dialogue, or atmosphere and mood, can hook readers and perhaps keep them reading.
Description - I've actually come across submission guidelines where an editor stressed, "More story; less description." Depending on the market you're planning on submitting to, story word limits might only allow you a small amount of description throughout your stories. A publication that wants more action than descriptive writing in stories, and publications that cap their word counts at around 3,500 to 5,000 words, usually place strict limits on the amount of words you can spend on description. On the other hand, publications with story word limits from around 8,000 to 10,000 allow you to spend much more of the story on descriptive writing. Regardless of word counts, I try to remember to make every word count toward the story by avoiding over-describing settings, actions, or characters.
Characters - It's important that I remember not to include too many characters in a short story. Too many characters might cause the story to spin out of control. Sure, I could solve this problem by extending the short story into a novella or novel. But if my aim is to write only a short story, I try to limit the characters. Two or three characters, or, sometimes, even one character, seems sufficient enough for a short story. Only you will know how many characters it'll take to portray your story, but if it begins to seem like your story is growing out of control when you don't want it to, then try to limit the number of characters.
Setting - I recently read an editorial called "This Story Doesn't Stand Out," and thought it was great insight into an editor's mind. The editorial touched on some of the reasons why an editor might reject your story. One of those reasons was that many of the stories already accepted were set in similiar settings, such as the present-day world. The article also confirmed my suspicion of why I'd finally gotten published by SDO Detective, a former online mystery publication, after several unsuccessful attempts--the last mystery tale I submitted was set in Ancient Egypt. Sure, mystery stories have been set in Ancient Egypt before, but there were none at SDO. So, I took the chance, and submitted my story, "Minkah's First Case," which featured a crime-solving scribe. While setting still isn't my main concern when I begin a short story, I make a conscious effort to try to place the story in a unique setting. Maybe by doing so, the story will head down an unexpected road and end up a better read as a result of the journey.
Twist - Every story doesn't have to end with a twist, but an occasional twist can be fun. I enjoy trying to write some of my own short stories with a twist. You can surprise your readers with an ending they should have seen coming, and maybe even leave your readers guessing about your character's fate after the story has ended. I recently read a short story that offered readers three different endings. It wasn't a twist seen often, so I really enjoyed coming across such a story. It was unpredictable and memorable, as are most successful twists. Have fun trying to create your own tale with a twist.
Denouement - I always try to end my short stories in a sensible, satisfying way. A reader left too far in the dark by the end of the story will be an unhappy reader. As a reader, I don't mind being left to wonder a bit about what else might happen to a character after the story has ended, but not to the point where I'm scratching my head at something that doesn't quite make sense where the story is concerned. As a writer, it's important that I try to write a logical, mostly unpredictable ending that tie up all the major loose ends.
While I'm sure I haven't quite written that short story that sticks in readers' minds, I'll keep trying by continuing to practice these nine points whenever I write a short story. Don't be afraid to tighten your story, begin with a "bang," or let your story have a message, a brief time span, good description, interesting characters, a strange setting, and a twist. Happy writing!
C. M. Clifton is a published fiction author as well as an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.1 5 Bed In Sofa
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Focus - Some of the most successful short stories I've read are the stories that stuck to their themes and storylines. They pulled me and kept me reading by maintaining a strong focus. It seems the more tightly drawn a short story is, the better.
Theme - While every story I write won't have some sort of deep, underlying message to it, I still like asking myself what exactly will my story be about. I try to answer the question in one or two sentences whenever possible, and notice that when I do, I usually spend less time smoothing out a story, trying to make it "say" what I want it to say. If you're aiming for a clear message, then try asking yourself just what is that underlying message or statement you're trying to convey to readers? Knowing what you want to say might lead you to tighten your writing, and maybe end up with a story that'll linger in readers' minds.
Time Span - Short stories usually cover a short time period. I try to remember to keep my short stories narrowed down by staying focused on the story's theme, and working to paint a picture explaining the main event for readers. In creating three-dimensional characters, I work to keep all of the characters' emotions, thoughts, and actions relevant to the story.
Hook - "Begin your story with a bang." We've all heard that one, haven't we? However, with short stories, I've noticed that it's more often sage advice than not. Beginning your short story with conflict, whether you choose to do it through action, dialogue, or atmosphere and mood, can hook readers and perhaps keep them reading.
Description - I've actually come across submission guidelines where an editor stressed, "More story; less description." Depending on the market you're planning on submitting to, story word limits might only allow you a small amount of description throughout your stories. A publication that wants more action than descriptive writing in stories, and publications that cap their word counts at around 3,500 to 5,000 words, usually place strict limits on the amount of words you can spend on description. On the other hand, publications with story word limits from around 8,000 to 10,000 allow you to spend much more of the story on descriptive writing. Regardless of word counts, I try to remember to make every word count toward the story by avoiding over-describing settings, actions, or characters.
Characters - It's important that I remember not to include too many characters in a short story. Too many characters might cause the story to spin out of control. Sure, I could solve this problem by extending the short story into a novella or novel. But if my aim is to write only a short story, I try to limit the characters. Two or three characters, or, sometimes, even one character, seems sufficient enough for a short story. Only you will know how many characters it'll take to portray your story, but if it begins to seem like your story is growing out of control when you don't want it to, then try to limit the number of characters.
Setting - I recently read an editorial called "This Story Doesn't Stand Out," and thought it was great insight into an editor's mind. The editorial touched on some of the reasons why an editor might reject your story. One of those reasons was that many of the stories already accepted were set in similiar settings, such as the present-day world. The article also confirmed my suspicion of why I'd finally gotten published by SDO Detective, a former online mystery publication, after several unsuccessful attempts--the last mystery tale I submitted was set in Ancient Egypt. Sure, mystery stories have been set in Ancient Egypt before, but there were none at SDO. So, I took the chance, and submitted my story, "Minkah's First Case," which featured a crime-solving scribe. While setting still isn't my main concern when I begin a short story, I make a conscious effort to try to place the story in a unique setting. Maybe by doing so, the story will head down an unexpected road and end up a better read as a result of the journey.
Twist - Every story doesn't have to end with a twist, but an occasional twist can be fun. I enjoy trying to write some of my own short stories with a twist. You can surprise your readers with an ending they should have seen coming, and maybe even leave your readers guessing about your character's fate after the story has ended. I recently read a short story that offered readers three different endings. It wasn't a twist seen often, so I really enjoyed coming across such a story. It was unpredictable and memorable, as are most successful twists. Have fun trying to create your own tale with a twist.
Denouement - I always try to end my short stories in a sensible, satisfying way. A reader left too far in the dark by the end of the story will be an unhappy reader. As a reader, I don't mind being left to wonder a bit about what else might happen to a character after the story has ended, but not to the point where I'm scratching my head at something that doesn't quite make sense where the story is concerned. As a writer, it's important that I try to write a logical, mostly unpredictable ending that tie up all the major loose ends.
While I'm sure I haven't quite written that short story that sticks in readers' minds, I'll keep trying by continuing to practice these nine points whenever I write a short story. Don't be afraid to tighten your story, begin with a "bang," or let your story have a message, a brief time span, good description, interesting characters, a strange setting, and a twist. Happy writing!
C. M. Clifton is a published fiction author as well as an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.1 5 Bed In Sofa
Rare Blood Type
06 Beach Break South Spring
Entertainment For Bachelor Party Chicago
Edisto Island Rentals
10 Beautiful Magazine Most People People Top
02 Altima
12 Chest Compartment Tea Wooden
Walk On Water Ozzy Osbourne Lyric
Budweiser Pool Table Felt
Hockey
Cool Cranberry Dessert Whip
Business For Sale Victoria Bc
Piss Water Sports
Cchanel Earrings
Portable Exercise Equipment
Colon Health Problem Related Stress
Door Gym Creative Fitness
Mosquito Bite
Wholesale Hats
Julliard School Of Dance
Diet Extract Green Pill Tea
05 Mustang Performance Parts
Globalwarming
Canal Holiday
Swarovski Crystal Hair Accessory
Insurance Mortgage Premium Protection Uk
Milan Chaise Day Bed
How To Put Pic On Myspace
06 Ea Rugby Sports
Furniture Living Room Set
Academy Sports And Outdoors San Antonio
1 B Vitamin
1901 West Condominiums
Construction Equipment Bobcat Skid Steer
Furniture
Sean Morey
Federal Home Loan Mortage Corporation
Immigration Agent Australia
Ballet Booty Master Yoga
Car Audio For Sale
2007 2008 Broward Calendar School
House
Fairbanks Airport
Core Dance Exercise
Baby Bed Bumper Pad
Modern Real Estate Practice In Ohio
World Maps For Sale
Ft Lauderdale Tooth Whitening
Mobil Oil Do Brazil
Real39
Hanna Instrument
Game Monster Racing Truck
Deal Hotel Last Minute New York
Cafe Houston Onion Red Tx
Interlink Electronics
Disneys Yacht Club Resort
Jeff Mclaughlin
Mesothelial Cells Diagnosis Rare Disease Mesothelioma
1 2 Carat Diamond Earring Stud
Car Gasoline
Wholesale Primitive Gift
Home Mortgage Rate Florida
Rocks And Mineral For Sale
Sterling Silver Hip Hop Jewelry
Carolina Hiking North Scenery Waterfall
Market Pro Computer Shows
Fur Facts
Marriott Suite Residence Inn
Lloyd Southside Video
Massage Spa Therapist
000 6 Free Hot Layout Myspace
Neem Tree Oil
Tiny Toy Dog Breed
Guided Mexico Tours
05 Football
Com Department Mart Stein Store
Scooter Battery Charger
Dress
Business Mall Online Opportunity Shopping
Amazon Chaise Lounge Calendar Will
Club Distrikt Night Toronto
Average Gas Prices
Crm
Fendi Handbag Wholesale
Hot Dog Vending Cart For Sale
American Association Of Law Library
Like Play Tennis
1 800 Junk
Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe
Seattles Best Coffee
Gas Heater Thermostat Water
Celebrity Cruceros Cruise
Online Office Pool
10 Boot Snow
1 Extended Filter Mobil Oil Performance
1 800 Reconex
Free Celebrity Video Clip
Sport Book Sign Up Bonus
Equipment Vending Wholesale
Dress Second Time Wedding
1 Kings 1
0 3 Baby Baby From Thinking Toddler Understanding Years
1000 Calorie Day Diet Vegetarian
Homes Real Estate Austin Texas House Rental
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Art Teacher Career
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1879 Arkansas Gazette Index1819 Obituary
Household Water Filters
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